Is It Just Vanity or Something More?

 

As I continue to see Audible Virtual Voice narrations gain acceptance (which I am equating with increasing numbers of star ratings and reviews) among genre listeners and see my own audiobook catalog (decidedly not Virtual Voice) with so few comparatively on Audible, I find myself reflecting. Why do I subject myself to this particular human frailty—vanity, perhaps, or something like it? I begin to consider that it is not that Audible is not a great place for genre listeners, but rather that it is simply not an ideal place for me.

I keep asking myself whether I should remove those Audible titles that have garnered no reviews—not after weeks, but after months or even years. Does their presence help or hinder?

Pros of Leaving Audiobooks with No Reviews on Audible

• Maintains a complete catalog presence under my author profile
• Preserves the chance that a future listener may leave a review
• Costs nothing to leave live on Audible

Cons of Leaving Audiobooks with No Reviews on Audible

• The absence of reviews may reflect poorly on the title’s perceived popularity or engagement

In the end, perhaps it is not just vanity. Perhaps it is about alignment—between where the work performs, where it resonates, and where it simply does not. And maybe that is enough reason to let go.

Complaint much? Perhaps. This topic must certainly open the door to responses akin to:

• “Maybe your listeners on Audible often choose not to review”
• “Maybe it is not about the mode of narration but the story itself”

But as Jane Austen wrote in Pride and Prejudice: “Those who do not complain are never pitied.”

 

In closing, this is not an indictment of Audible or even Virtual Voice narrations. I believe in freedom of choice. The more options, the better. I am simply pondering how best to reach my audiobook audience where they are.

§ This is part of a series of posts in honor of Audiobook Appreciation Month.

You can find my full catalog of professionally narrated audiobooks, affordably priced when you buy direct and save, on my Author store.